Best Books and Resources for New Home Educating Families
Quick Answer
There are many books and resources available to support home education in the UK. Families often use a mix of books, online resources, and practical materials, choosing what works best for their child and their approach to learning.
Introduction
When starting home education, it can be difficult to know which resources to use.
There is no single set of materials that all families follow. Instead, most build a collection over time, combining different types of resources depending on their child’s needs and their approach to learning.
This guide outlines some of the most commonly used types of resources and how families typically use them.
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Types of Resources Families Use
Home educating families often use a mix of:
– books and workbooks
– online learning platforms
– printable resources
– hands-on materials
– real-world experiences
The balance between these can vary depending on the child and the stage they are at.
Books and Workbooks
Books are often one of the first resources families use.
This might include:
– subject-based workbooks (Maths, English, science)
– reading books
– revision guides for older children
Some families use structured workbook programmes, while others use books more flexibly. Lots of home educating families end up with an impressive collection of books! Being surrounded by books, even in 2026, is still as inspiring as ever for a child growing up!
Online Resources
Online resources can provide additional support and variety.
This might include:
– educational websites
– video-based learning
– interactive platforms
These can be used alongside other resources or as part of a more structured approach. It is likely that children will do some of their learning online and in fact learning to be a safe online learner is an important part of learning. We offer a short course for children to think about the importance of staying safe online which you are may want to use as a starting point for learnning about online safety. It is free if you have an LLP community membership! This course is available on our other site, the EXTRA learning space, so you will need a separate login in order to order any of the resources on there, but it is very simple and takes less than a minute.
Printable Resources and Project Packs
Printable resources are often used to support learning in a flexible way.
This might include:
– worksheets
– activity packs
– topic-based project materials
Some families choose to use larger resource libraries, such as Twinkl, which provide access to a wide range of materials in one place.
Others prefer smaller, more focused resources or structured project packs that guide learning in a more connected and purposeful way. Learn Laugh Play are steadily building project based learning packs which you may want to look at to see if anything would inspire your child. They cover subjects that we don’t teach in any depth and are packed full of cross curricular and fun learning.
These can be particularly useful for:
– reinforcing learning
– providing structure without full lessons
– supporting independent work
Hands-On and Practical Resources
It is very common as a home educating family to have a collection of all sorts of weird and wonderful resources and to keep adding to that collection as your journey through home education continues! Most families find they need some practical resources as part of learning.
This might include:
– art and craft materials
– science kits
– games and puzzles
– getting out in nature
– getting out in your local environment
These resources and activities support more exploratory and hands-on learning.
Using a Combination of Resources
Most families do not rely on just one type of resource.
Instead, they often:
– combine books and practical activities
– use online tools alongside offline learning
– adjust resources over time
This allows learning to remain flexible and responsive.
Choosing What Works for Your Child
Not every resource will suit every child.
Home Education families generally find it helpful to:
– try resources before committing fully
– adapt how resources are used
– change approach if something is not working
– reach out for support if they are feeling unsure about what is working
Over time, it becomes easier to identify what works well.
Using Structured Support Where Needed
Some families choose to include structured support alongside their own resources.
This might include:
– live classes
– recorded lessons
– guided learning programmes
Learn Laugh Play offers:
– live classes (with recordings included in each class membership)
– worksheets and printable resources
– additional learning activities between sessions
– opportunities for children to connect with classmates and teachers in a safe environment outside of lessons
– additional learning experiences such as our monthly learning competitions and other resources outside of our classes which you can explore in our shop area.
Our classes can be used alongside other resources to provide structure where needed, particularly where families want both flexibility and consistency.
You can explore this further on our Classes page.
Keeping Costs Manageable
Resources do not need to be expensive.
Many families:
– use libraries
– share resources with others
– reuse materials
– combine free and paid options
It is a great idea to make connections with other home ed families and use facilities like Facebook marketplace, charity shops and boot fayres to find bargains!
Conclusion
There is no single set of “best” resources for home education.
Most families build their own combination over time, choosing what works best for their child and adapting as needed. Part of the joy of home education is finding what works for you as a family.
You can explore more guidance throughout this section as you develop an approach that works for your child and your family.
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